Holcim Cements FA Cup Soccer

by Elmo Rodrigopulle

Kotahena which is famous for football was sent into raptures when Ratnam Sports Club shoved aside the glamour boys of soccer Saunders to carry away the glittering Holcim FA Cup which was on offer for the first time.

The Sugathadasa Stadium which was named after another proud soccer son of Kotahena, the late V. A. Sugathadasa who was also the first Minister of Sports, and its environs were decked in colourful buntings by the sponsors Holcim who gave the whole show a carnival atmosphere.

Spectators and supporters of both teams flocked in their numbers to cheer and encourage their teams and the stadium was packed to near capacity, a sign that soccer still has its attraction.

The sponsors also allowed the pappara bands in the stands and it was one beat of the old and not so old tunes that were heard with spectators tapping their feet to the sounds and enjoying every bit of it.

The chief guest, the Chief Executive of Holcim, Peter Spirig enjoyed every minute of the game and his face was writ in smiles of satisfaction, smiles that also indicated that they had sponsored a very worthy product, the primarily poor mans game in the country - and the game that is played by over 200 countries in the world - Football.

There is no doubt that Holcim have concreted the game in the country.

The one who worked behind the scenes to see to the success of every thing connected with this prestigious tournament was none other than the Managing Director of Holcim, that man for all seasons - Manilal Fernando who like good wine needs no bush.

Saunders who have won the FA Cup several times, were fancied to repeat, but it was apparent that Ratnam playing before their home crowds were not going to let Saunders have things easy.

When Amanullah hit the net for the glamour boys early in the game, it looked as if the cup would go to Kesalwatte again. Stung to the quick Ratnam got their act together, found the equaliser through Rawmy and a few minutes later scored a goal that every soccer connossieur was yearing to see.

Dribbling seemed to be a dying art, until Ratnam strikers did some classic dribbling that sent the Saunders defence the wrong way for Pushpakumara to push the ball past a bewildered Saunders goal keeper 2-1.

Saunders did try for the equaliser and the elusive winner. But the Ratnam defence stood stubborn and never wilted, until Rawmy again put the issue beyond doubt.

When Ratnam's victory is spoken about one can't forget the yeoman services rendered to the club by that former Sri Lanka goal keeper and National Coach the late Lawrence Fernando a proud product of St. Benedict's College, kings of schools football of that time.

He spent his time and money doing wonders for the club and today his son Navin and nephew Hurley Silveira are continuing the proud traditions that Lawrence endeavoured and succeeded in promoting.

Saunders and Ratnam played the game the way it should be played, hard and clean and in the end it was the better side - Ratnam that triumphed.